SOULMATE

I wonder, if I were to take a poll, how many of you would believe the the essence of a "soulmate." I'm kinda on the fence about it and I guess it would depend on your definition. According to that classic internet source, wikipedia:

A soulmate (or soul mate) is a person with whom one has a feeling of deep or natural affinity.^[1] This may involve similarity, love, intimacy,sexuality, sexual activity, spirituality, or compatibility and trust. 

Certainly, that covers a broad range. I have met lots of people I have a natural affinity to, male and female both. Call it chemistry or whatever - it is an instant connection. But I think a soulmate goes beyond that instant connection to something much deeper.

In my life, I can only think of one person who truly was a soulmate to me, and that would be my sister Heidi. I always think of a soulmate as someone who I completely understand and who completely understands me. Someone who knows why I do what I do even though it may not make sense to anyone else. Heidi, though she has been dead over 25 years now, was that person to me.

To most people, I think it delves along the more romantic line, thanks in part to Hollywood. They believe the soulmate is the one they should marry. 

And, if we were following the Wikipedia definition, that sounds pretty darn good to me too! If you are fortunate to find such a person, I would suggest you hold on and marry him/her! 

I don't know if I really believe in soulmates. Like I said, I'm on the fence about it. Perhaps I'm not romantic enough. But I do believe in the importance of people and relationships and that we do all we can to enrich them. You can take that "feeling of deep or natural affinity" and make it grow even stronger. And when that starts to fade because of hurts or misunderstandings, we work at it, feed it and keep it alive, whether this is a marriage or just a good friend. It's a lot of work, to be sure, and sometimes painful, but it's worth it. 

FIREFLIES

Do you remember when you were a kid, how exciting it was to chase after fireflies? First off, we were outside, AND it was dark! Way past bedtime. Then we would all watch around bushes or close to the edges of a tree lined forest for those little, intermittent blinks of light in the darkness. "There's one!" someone would squeal, and we would all run over trying to see where the blinking beacon would show up next. 
This has been a bit of a hard week, not just for me but for my family and people we love. A dear friend, one I would view as a "son" passed away suddenly in a motorcycle accident. Greg was sweet, with an easy going charm and all around the house I have memories of him - sitting on the couch watching a movie, lounging on the rug in the livingroom, playing a game at the dining room table. His laugh and how he would adore my pets. The last photo I took of Greg was a few weeks ago at a wedding. I was actually taking a family shot as requested by a friend of her and her children when Greg jumped in the back, doing a classic photobomb. He was young, only 27. I will miss him. His beacon of light, flashing away in the darkness of this world, now rejoining the Creator of Light. 
Another dear woman I know is soon ending her journey here on earth. Unlike Greg's sudden death, hers is slowly ebbing closer. We have time to prepare but it does not make it any easier. Both have their sting. Lorraine is an amazing woman, one I could always go to when I was struggling with a parenting issue. She would flash light like a firefly on my situation and suddenly it all seemed clearer. She is an incredible mother, grandmother, friend and mentor. 
With Greg, grief struck like a tidal wave, washing over without warning. With Lorraine, grief is present every day, always there, reminding me to pray for her and her family. 
We are called to be light in the darkness, bringing comfort, direction and joy. This week, I'm reminded to two great examples in my life. 

TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE

It's time I probably told you about Morrie. He is a bit of a fixture in my life so I shall start in the beginning....
The cello is an instrument that has always fascinated me. I love the sonorous sound it makes and seems to just sit in and layer a song. But I never, ever thought I would actually have one!
On Christmas Morning 2011, we were just finishing up our traditional family time when the kids got this gleam in their eye and asked me to check behind a standing screen where the vacuum usually hangs out. There was no vacuum but a very large case and inside, Morrie, my new cello.
I cried.
I could not believe it. A cello of my very own. It was overwhelming. Not to mention I'm no spring chicken. Could I learn an instrument at this stage of my life?
The next step was finding a teacher and I soon hooked up with the principal cellist in our local symphony. Linda very patiently began walking me through the basics and she has been with me the past year and a half.
I soon learned this was not going to be an easy undertaking. Although I do play piano I have never been a natural musician. I have always had to work at it and work hard. Morrie was really no different.Thus began Tuesdays with Morrie. I would practice as much as I could between work and housework and whatever else was going on, but I always tried to keep Tuesday night open to snuggle up with Morrie.
I usually set up camp in the basement, so as not to irritate my husband with my squeaks and squacks. People often say how they love the sound of the cello and I always tell them, "You love the sound of a cello played well!" When I first started even the animals would scatter but I'm happy to say Frodo and Sasha will now hang out and keep me company.
Playing the cello physically hurts my hands and I know it is only a matter of time before I have to contend with arthritis and I will really be limited on playing. But thus far I have completed Book  1 of the Suzuki course and I'm now working on Book 2.
A few weeks ago I participated in an end of the year recital for Linda's students. I was, oh, at least 30 years older the any other participant. The average ages were between 8 and 16. And then me.....at the ripe old age of 49. You are never too old people!
I'm now beginning to play with one of the teams at church - another new undertaking!
So, how far will I go with this? I really don't know. I'm off my lessons for the summer but intend to continue them in the fall. I guess I would like to get to the point where I can relax into it and not have to concentrate so very much on what I am doing. Plus, I will have to see how far I can continue physically.
So, if you are thinking of starting something new - new hobby, new career, new whatever, let me encourage you. Take a deep breath and dive in. You are never too old!